Summer Decisions – Who Stays, And Who Goes? 1/3 – Defence

This season has been a huge success under Garry Monk and his team. The fans have come back to Elland Road in huge numbers and the players on the park have proved they are good enough and some good recruitment in the summer could and should give us a great chance at promotion. Some have struggled and it begs the question, who should stay and who should be moved on?

The Defence

Charlie Taylor

Charlie Taylor will almost certainly leave in the coming weeks. The left back came through the ranks and replaced skipper Stephen Warnock in the defence before becoming one of the most consistent players at the club. In my opinion he will be a success in the Premier League and if he doesn’t want to be at Leeds, something that he has made quite clear they I would rather he left. He has frustrated me this season, holding on to the ball too long at times and pulling out of challenges. We may not replace him with a better footballer, it will be tough but Gaetano Berardi gets my vote all day long anyway purely on passion and pride.

Verdict – He’s going anyway, he made it clear by putting in a request at the start of the season.

Gaeatno Berardi

One of the most passionate and full-hearted players I’ve seen at Leeds in a long time. He puts everything into every minute of every game and he is a player that will be at Leeds for years to come if he wants to be. Didn’t moan and groan when he was on the bench and came back better and stronger, putting in some solid and brilliant performances. Signed a new deal after impressing in his first season and it wouldn’t be a bad shout to extend that again. Fits in well at left back despite being right footed and a player who will play and help the side improve. Maybe needs to work on his forward thinking play from the left, and try to adjust and adapt to moving forward from that position but a key player for Leeds.

Verdict – He’s going nowhere.

Lewie Coyle

Coyle hasn’t featured much this season but when he has he has impressed massively. Another who has come through the ranks at Leeds United and a player who may be looking to kick on and either break into the first-team or move away from the club. His progress is being stifled by not playing much football but he’s a great player to have in your squad as has been proved this season, coming in here and there to cover at right back and do a solid and consistent job.

Verdict – Keep him but if he wants a loan it may have to be considered for the player’ssake.

Luke Ayling

A player who was up for the Player Of The Year and probably wasn’t a million miles away from challenging Chris Wood. Any other season and he may well have won it but the level amongst the players has been so high, and he has added much to the side. He came in and questions were asked as to why we had bothered to pay the moderate £650k for the player when we already had Gaetano Berardi and Lewie Coyle. Questions were soon answered as Luke Ayling put in some quality performances for a side that was struggling bad in the early part of the season. A player that has added something off the pitch as well.

Verdict – Key player next season.

Pontus Jansson

The easiest of the lot in terms of if we want and need to keep Pontus Jansson. One of the key reasons to our progress this season and a player who will be in high demand during this summer. The defender came into the Leeds side and has evolved the defensive line which included so much potential, but Jansson was the key to the success at the back. He has regained his place not only in the national squad but in the starting XI. He has dominated strikers this season and our hopes of promotion next season will be helped massively by Pontus Jansson hanging around to do the same as this year. Our best defender since relegation from the Premier League in my eyes.

Verdict – Expect big offers, a must keep.

Liam Cooper

Unfortunately for Liam Cooper I feel like we have moved past him this season. He wasn’t a nailed on player last season in a position that only included Sol Bamba and Guiseppe Bellusci, two liabilities in the majority of their time at Leeds. Cooper has ability but chooses the wrong option time and time again. Diagonal and long passes that rarely work, mistakes that cost the side and a vulnerability which can effect those around him. I think he will start on Sunday at Wigan with Jansson suspended and I expect that to be his last game in a Leeds shirt. Has given his all for the club, that can’t be questioned but we are moving forward and to do that certain players probably need to move on, Cooper is one of them.

Verdict – Sell

Kyle Bartley

This deal seems to be hinging on two key issues. 1. Garry Monk gets the Leeds job. 2. Swansea survive relegation. If the first of the two doesn’t happen then Kyle Bartley won’t be a Leeds player next season, he has made that very clear. If the first does and then Swansea are relegated that is another issue entirely. Swansea will need to rebuild in the Championship and they may look at Kyle Bartley and his experience as a huge plus for them and retain the player for at least another season until his contract runs out. Leeds may be able to sign him anyway, if the deal is right then it remains a possibility. In terms of importance it will be a huge signing if we do get the player and he may even go on to captain the club in all fairness, that’s how important he is at Leeds.

Verdict – Huge player for the club, crucial signing if possible.

About Author

Born in Gibraltar, raised in Scotland from a very young age. Been a huge fan of Leeds United since I could walk and talk, thanks to my Dad, the English half of me. After a few years in Australia I moved to Leeds, the trips from Scotland down to the city a few times a season didn't cut it. Love the city. Love the people, and the 12 hour round trip to Elland Road is about a 20 minute round trip. Love writing about the club, the more I write the more I feel comfortable doing it. As long as it's enjoyable I'll continue to do so, keep looking to step it up and progress as well. Leeds United is more than just a football team for me, as is it with so many others.

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